Five years ago, the first time I came to El Sauzal, I left my heart and it has been here ever since. The friends I have made and my love for these kids is what keeps me coming back every year.

This year I was blessed with the opportunity to spend my Christmas vacation here. As I was getting ready to come down, I really didn’t know what to expect, I just knew that this was where God wanted me to be. I have learned so much in my time here about God’s love and faithfulness and about His people here at El Sauzal.

I will always treasure this Christmas and remember it as a time I spent with my friends who I have come to love as family. Everyone here has been so generous to let me share this special time with them, and I will leave with so many fun memories. In my time here I have learned to make tamales, discovered that I love Tostitos con chile, gained a new appreciation for round tortillas and most of all, I realized that a little hug and kiss from these children was all the Christmas present I needed.

I praise God that He holds each one of these precious kids in His hands. After being here I don’t know how I could ever doubt God’s faithfulness. It is so clear that He has blessed this place and everyone in it. Now, as I’m getting ready to leave here, I pray that I was able to help these people even a fraction as much as they have helped me.

Kelly returned to the Orphanage in June 2005 with her sisters Amanda and Katy along and others from SeaTac Bible Church on their Summer Work Project.

June 2005

Kelly, a woman of many talents

Every time as I fly into San Diego, cross the border into Mexico, drive along the coast and turn onto that final stretch taking me into San Antonio the same thought runs through my mind over and over again. “I am going home”. As soon as I set foot in this place I am amazed at the peace that fills my heart. This place has become a part of me. That is the only way I can think of to describe that feeling I get every time I am here and when I am away. El Sauzal is a part of who I am, of what shapes me, what teaches me and where I know I belong.

After living here for a month in December I was so excited to return and see my family this summer. The week before I was supposed to leave some things happened in my family that almost kept me from making the trip. My grandmother passed away and I was having some health problems. I was uncertain right up until the time when I got on the plane whether I was supposed to come, whether I should be staying at home and even whether I wanted to go. Now, I can see so clearly that God brought me here because it was in His will.

Kelly and Bombay

In my time here I have spent some much needed time catching up with friends, playing with the children and doing a little work in between. Undoubtedly my fondest memory from this trip was being able to take all the kids swimming at a local pool. Splashing in the water with the little ones and feeling their joy, I don’t think there was a time when I didn’t have a smile on my face. At the time when I needed it the most, God has reaffirmed through the lives of everyone here, His
faithfulness and love. When I needed to feel His presence He brought me here, to the place where I know He is. He took the focus off of myself and showed me once again His people here at El Sauzal doing His work through faith. All of the workers here have my undying love and respect. God is truly glorified through this place.